University of Chicago · 2 months ago
Research & Policy Lead
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$102K/yr - $125K/yr
7+ years expThe University of Chicago is a prestigious institution known for its commitment to research and innovation. They are seeking a full-time Research and Policy Lead to contribute to development economics research and policy projects across the Development Innovation Lab, ensuring compliance with regulatory policies and leading various research initiatives.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Work closely with the Faculty Director, DIL leaders, and research collaborators to identify and develop new research projects and manage existing projects
Collaborate and coordinate with researchers on joint research efforts and cross-cutting initiatives
Perform advanced data analysis and provide scientific expertise to support research objectives
Lead fundraising efforts by identifying and cultivating relationships with potential donors, foundations, and funding organizations to secure financial support for organizational initiatives
Train, supervise, and support DIL research staff conducting research, including up to 3-6 Research Professionals, Predoctoral Associates or postdoctoral scholars
Investigate, modify, and apply new procedures, techniques, and technological applications to advance research capabilities
Establish research goals, operating procedures, and guidelines to ensure successful project execution
Substantially contribute to research publications, protocols, and grant proposals
Facilitate and promote advanced research projects by providing scientific and intellectual input
Oversee data collection activities and manage complex datasets for research and policy projects
Serve as a resource for data collection and analytical processes
Work closely with the Faculty Director and DIL Leaders to support and develop DIL’s policy work in countries of operation
Manage partnerships relevant to DIL's policy work and provide analytical support to policy work
Incubate and develop new initiatives (such as weather or education policy) which require knowledge of economic theory and advanced economics training
Contribute to cross-lab and Lab priorities such as research and policy staff hiring, organization of research and policy events, and other activities as assigned
Mentor junior research and policy staff members
Build and maintain relationships crucial to organizational success and research advancement
Provide specialized research support to and reviews for the Weiss Fund for Research in Development Economics
Provides expertise to researchers on compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates
Provides expertise to researchers and research support staff. Oversees activities related to data collection and analysis
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume/CV (required)
Research Statement (required)
Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)
Preferred
PhD in economics or related field
PhD level training in the methods of economics
Knowledge of and experience running randomized control trials
Prior experience working on randomized evaluations, development economics research, and/or public policy in developing countries
Proven record of writing and publishing rigorous evaluations
Strong oral and written communication skills
Excellent organizational, time, and project management skills, with the proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Curiosity and interest in agriculture, education, and safe water
Team player with excellent interpersonal skills
Benefits
Health, retirement, and paid time off
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Chicago has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (341)
2024 (318)
2023 (285)
2022 (233)
2021 (179)
2020 (172)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
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